WSOP to remain unchanged despite Harrah's sale

World Series of Poker Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack and co. are all staying on board for the 2008 series.

It appears the 2008 World Series of Poker will remain virtually unchanged by the pending sale of Harrah's Entertainment Inc.

WSOP Communications Director Gary Thompson went on the record with a number of poker media outlets this week and made it clear that the sale wouldn't affect the WSOP brand and that the Series will be a showcase feature of the company for years to come.

According to Thompson, the WSOP senior management team will remain intact, with Jeffrey Pollack reprising his role of commissioner. Gary Loveman, who is Harrah's chairman and CEO, will also be back.

Earlier this month the Nevada Gaming Commission and the National Indian Gambling Commission approved the sale of Harrah's to private firms Texas Pacific Group Capital and Apollo Management, L.P. for $17.5 billion. The deal is still pending but barring any surprises the sale will likely go through in early 2008.

Harrah's Entertainment purchased Binion's Horseshoe and the WSOP in 2004. Harrah's went on to sell Binion's Horseshoe to MTR Gaming Group but retained rights to the WSOP and began hosting the events at one of their own properties, the Rio All-Suite Resort and Casino.

With over 50 casinos, including Caesars Las Vegas, Ballys and London Clubs Internation, and the WSOP brand, Harrah's is the largest casino operator in the world. Harrah's made over $10 million in revenue in 2007.

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